Some common misconceptions about IWAQ

IWAQ is only for Muslims

IWAQ is a non-profit, non-religious welfare organisation that was started by a group of Muslim women to service the needs of Muslim women and their families.  However, it has grown to service the wider Australian community including those from Multicultural backgrounds.

IWAQ is only for women

IWAQ services women and their families from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds. 73% of clients are female and 27% are male.

IWAQ only employs women who are from Muslim and Arabic-speaking backgrounds

IWAQ employs people from 22 different cultural backgrounds who are a mix of female and male and Muslim and non-Muslim staff members.  Staff composition:

Female – 88%

Male – 12%

Muslim - 92%

Other religious backgrounds - 8%

Refugee – 36%

Migrants – 58%

IWAQ staff do not have much educational background

IWAQ Staff are well qualified and experienced.  They come from a variety of educational backgrounds and that includes being educated in Australia.  We have staff members who have come with high qualifications such as doctor, engineers, etc and need a step into the labour force.  IWAQ ensures that its staff attend professional development and have regular on-going training delivered by qualified educators and professionals.